Headcount is currently traveling with Pearl Jam on their 2008 U.S. East Coast tour in an effort to register over 1,000 new voters and encourage the tens of thousands of concertgoers to get out and vote in this year’s election.

With the tour at its halfway mark, Headcount continues to exceed its goal by registering more than 100 voters each night. Through the efforts of over 100 Headcount volunteers, the organization has been able to raise awareness and answer countless questions about the voting process.

Headcount is a non-profit group focused on registering voters at concerts around the country. They continue to raise awareness about the importance of voting by encouraging the fans of various musical artists that they are involved with to register to vote. Headcount’s dedicated volunteers hope to register at least 100,000 voters this year and have already been successful at registering 60,000 voters since Headcount’s conception four years ago. They have worked with a wide variety of artists from Jack Johnson to Megadeath whose only obvious link is their strong connection with their fans and their continual involvement in activism. For more information on this progressive organization visit www.headcount.org.

This Friday, June 20, 2008, help celebrate International Surfing Day by pitching in and giving back to our world's oceans, waves and beaches. In honor of this special day, The Surfrider Foundation will be hosting a number of coastal clean-ups and restoration events around the world. Those joining in will have the chance to compete for an array of prizes by participating in a variety of events such as beach clean-ups, filmmaking and art contests. Some of this years “challenges” will include “Most Unique and Biggest Piece of Trash,” “Styrofoam Collection” and “Eco-Friendly Video Contest.” Submission of your photos and videos online will allow judges to pool results from around the globe and pick the finalists. Prizes vary and include surfboards, merchandise and gift certificates. International Surfing Day activities are a great way to positively affect the environment and raise awareness about how important keeping our oceans clean is for all who love them. How can you get involved? Visit www.intlsurfingday.com for more information on how you can be a part of the action at a beach near you.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization that is passionate about protecting our oceans, waves and beaches. It was started in 1984 by a small group of surfers in Malibu, California. The Surfrider Foundation has continued to grow over the years and is now made up of over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on The Surfrider Foundation, please visit www.surfrider.org.

Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin (the West Memphis Three) have spent nearly 15 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Compelling DNA evidence and other scientific data that helps prove their innocence has recently come to light. You can check out the entire petition for writ of habeus corbus, which outlines this information on wm3.org.

Though we couldn't ask for better news, the case still faces lengthy court proceedings before these men can finally be granted their deserved freedom. How can you help? Financial contributions are urgently needed to see justice served. Make a donation to the Damien Echols Defense Fund to help cover the costs of legal work, investigation and organizing efforts involved in righting this injustice.

Donate online on wm3.org
or make checks payable to:
Damien Echols Defense Fund
PO Box 1216
Little Rock, AR 72203

For more information on the West Memphis Three case please visit www.wm3.org.

On January 26, Matt Cameron performs at FLOOD WATCH! A benefit for the flood victims in Central Washington. Proceeds from the show raise funds for two amazing non-profit organizations working tirelessly to help both the area's farmersand animals get back on their feet (and paws).

Washington State Farm Bureau is assisting family farmers and ranchers in southwest Washington with equipment repairs, animal care and other immediate needs. Pasado's Safe Haven is an animal rescue organization responsible for the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, cats and farm animals. Check out each group's website for ways you can get involved.

Have you kept your new year's resolution to register to vote? Voter registration cut-off dates vary by state. You can both register to vote online and check out state by state voter laws at Declare Yourself and Headcount

For a crash course on this years elections, check out Project Vote Smart for more information on the issues, the voting process, and the candidates.

Join us this holiday season in supporting the "Better Present for a Better Future" campaign. Founded by Conservation International (CI), Heifer International (HI), and Share Our Strength (SOS), the campaign is designed to inspire a new way to think about holiday giving.

By Taking the Better Present Pledge, you agree to give at least one gift to a nonprofit in honor of a friend or family member in lieu of a material present this holiday season.

If you like the idea behind the Better Present Pledge, but the organizations listed above aren't up your alley, check out the list below for a few causes near and dear to our organization and each of the band members.

Happy Holidays!

A COUPLE OF THIS YEAR'S FAVORITES:

• Sweet Home New Orleans
  Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the music and cultural community within the neighborhoods of New Orleans by helping its tradition bearers, like legendary Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, return to and stay home.
• Arts Corps (Vitalogy Foundation)
  Arts Corps develops the creativity of youth in King County in Washington State, helping them "make art anyway" in spite of persistent barriers to inspired learning. As students practice creative habits of mind in a variety of qulaity arts classes, they develop lifelong tools to reach their full potential.

BAND PICKS:

• Huntington's Disease Society of America (Stone and Liz)
  For the past 40 years, HDSA has provided research, support and advocacy for those living with Huntington's Disease and their families. Check out the HDSA Holiday Store for ways to give this season.
• West Memphis Three (Ed)
  In light of new DNA tests and evidence, it is becoming overwhelmingly clear that the WM3 was in fact wrongly convicted. Now more than ever the Damien Echols Legal Defense Fund needs your donations to help them win the fight of their lives. For ways to contribute click here
• Soulumination (Mike and Ashley)
  Founded by Lynette Huffman Johnson, Soulumination celebrates the lives of children and parents facing life-threatening conditions by providing free, professional photographs of these special individuals and their families to the ones they love.
• Bring Me a Book Foundation (Jeff)
  Bring Me A Book, an award winning literacy nonprofit, is committed to ensuring that ALL children are exposed to high quality children’s literature during the first years of their lives. They provide libraries of quality, hardback children's books and read aloud training to over 400,000 children, parents, and teachers in over 1010 sites.
• The Homelessness Project (Matt)
  THP offers 44 units of subsidized housing to single parent homeless families in crisis in the Seattle area. In addition to housing, THP provides families with benefit assistance and emotional support as they stabilize their lives and pursue work or educational opportunities.
• Hui Malama o ke Kai (Boom)
  Hui Malama o ke Kai's mission is to develop community pride and foster leadership among Waimanalo's youth through teaching of Native Hawaiian culture and values. As a program developed by the community and created and sustained through family, school, and community partnerships, it serves the 'opio of Waimanalo now and into the future. For ways to help, email director Kathy Morris at kamorris@hawaii.edu.

PICKS WITH SIDE BENEFITS (for those who want the goods with their gift):

• Choice USA
  Choice USA is the only pro-choice organization solely dedicated to providing young people with the tools to become effective activists around the issue of reproductive freedom. From November 26 - December 14, Choice USA will host Bid For Choice -an online auction - which will help the group continue to successfully develop the next generation of leaders. From vacation getaways to jewelry to books and more...there's something for everyone!
• Oceana
  This holiday season, you can adopt one of many ocean animals for a loved one through Oceana. Your donation will help the group's advocacy efforts to protect the world's marine creatures and their habitats...and you’ll get a specially designed cookie cutter for your gift.
• ECO Body Glove
  Help your surfer friends preserve the waves while they ride 'em with Body Glove's “world’s first environmentally friendly wetsuit." Manufactured with one-tenth the energy normally used in wetsuit production, it's made from nontoxic, non-petroleum based materials, organic water ink, and a recycled plastic zipper. The ECO Body Glove promises to minimize water seepage and maximize maneuverability.
• Treehugger Gift Guide
  Check out Treehugger’s green gift guide for dozens of ideas for everyone on your list – from eco-friendly fashionistas to Earth-conscious pet owners.
• Bonneville International Green Tags
  By purchasing Green Tags through Bonneville Environmental Foundation, you can give your friends and family members the gift that keeps on renewing. Help offset all of the carbon associated with everyday activities and power the development of clean, green wind and solar energy. In partnership with Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), BEF is offering a special holiday promotion of REI gift cards with each Green Tag purchase. Enter promotional code: GREENHOLIDAY07

Please check out the organizations below for ways you can directly help those affected by the recent San Diego wildfires.

• San Diego Habitat for Humanity

  San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) has launched their fund for rebuilding efforts resulting from the Firestorm currently devastating the county.

  SDHFH rebuilt 23 homes for the victims of the 2003 Wildfires and donated building materials to hundreds of families who lost their homes in the fires from the the Habitat fo Humanity ReStore. SDHFH is here to help in rebuilding efforts once again.

  Donations are currently being accepted for Firestorm Disaster Rebuild Fund at the SDHFH office (10222 San Diego Mission Road, San DIego 92108), by calling 619-283-HOME or by clicking the "Donate Now" button at the bottom of www.sdhfh.org and designating "Firestorm Disaster Rebuild Fund."

• Sand Diego Salvation Army
  

  The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and support to those in need in San Diego County and other impacted regions. Among other efforts, the Army has opened a firestorm assistance center in El Centro to help meet the needs of evacuees from San Diego County. Salvation Army has continued to mobilize nine canteens, with six others on call. These canteens have fed more than 31,000 meals and snacks as well 35,000 drinks to individuals impacted by the disaster, including thousands at Qualcomm stadium. The Army has also provided personal care kits, cots, cups and other materials, as well as emotional and spiritual care.

  Monetary Donations: Please make checks out to The Salvation Army with “The Salvation Army 2007 Wilffires” in the memo line and mail to PO Box 503580 - San Diego, CA 92150-3580. You can also donate online. or by calling 1-866-ILLHELP.

  In-Kind Donations: If you’re in the San Diego area, in-kind donations can be dropped off at any local Salvation Army thrift store.

  Volunteer: Those wishing to donate their time can call Kathy Kelly at (619) 231 - 6000, extension 1234, Tracy Emis at extension 1404, or Joy Lee at extension 1221.

  Corporate Gifts: If local San Diego or Inland Empire companies are able to donate large quantities of certain items, meals, etc., please contact Tracy Emis at (619) 231-6000, extension 1404.

• San Diego Humane Society

  As the fires approached, The San Diego Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Reserve (ARR) team worked with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) to evacuate domestic animals and livestock threatened by the Harris and Witch Creek fires, and manned the pet center at the Mira Mesa High School Evacuation Center. Officers, staff and volunteers have helped in evacuating more than 400 animals and are directly assisting several thousand animals at evacuation centers throughout the county. It is estimated conservatively that between 10,000 to 15,000 animals were taken into evacuation centers countywide.

  As burned areas of the county are reopened to residents, San Diego Human Society volunteers and staff continue to visit residences and perform welfare checks on animals, while veterinarians are tending to animals injured from the fire.

  Donate to SDHS online here.

• Volunteer San Diego

  Volunteer San Diego is working with the County, 2-1-1, and the Red Cross to identify volunteer needs in regards to the wildfires. Check out www.volunteersandiego.org for ways to help.

• San Diego Red Cross

  The American Red Cross is operating multiple shelters for San Diego County residents displaced by wildfires, and is also assisting those affected by the wildfires at Local Assistance Centers. San Diego Red Cross has trained nearly 3,000 volunteers in the first few days of the wildfires and will continue to provide relief as long as it is needed.

  Donate to the Red Cross online at www.sdarc.org/donate. Designate option 2 - San Diego/Imperial Counties Local Disaster Fund for your donation to support the Harris/Witch Creek response operations,or mail your donation to: American Red Cross 3950 Calle Fortunada San Diego, CA 92123

Woody Guthrie was a songwriter, writer, singer, and American icon, who suffered and died from complications of Huntington's Disease - a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. Marjorie was Woody's wife. She cared for him and founded an organization to help others suffering from and caring for those with this devastating neurodegenerative disease -- the Huntington's Disease Society of America.

On October 17, 2007, musicians Bill Bragg, Steve Earle, Brad and actor Tim Robbins will host a "A Celebration of Woody and Marjorie Guthrie To Benefit Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA)" at NYC's Webster Hall.

Please come out and show your support for families living with Huntington's Disease. Buy tickets for the concert here or donate to HDSA directly here

Visit the Gulf. To truly understand the impact of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, there's nothing more important you can do than experience the state of the Gulf and the resilience of its people first hand. Take a trip to the affected areas, talk about what you saw, and inspire otheres to do their part as well. For ideas on planned trips and voluntourism, visit atctower.net.

Here is a list of the incredible groups working tirelessly to rebuild the Gulf:

• Sweet Home New Orleans is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the music and cultural community within the neighborhoods of New Orleans by helping these individuals secure stable, affordable housing. SHNO connects New Oreans musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid and Pleasure Club members to an array of much need resources.
• Safe Streets, Strong Communities is a community-based organization that campaigns for a new criminal justice system in New Orleans - one that creates safe streets and strong communities for everyone, regardless of race or economic status.
• Levees.org is a grassroots group whose mission is to educate the public on the truth about levees and flood protection - both in New Orleans and nationwide.
• Gulf Coast Fund is a collaborative grant making fund-supporting efforts that aid displaced and returning residents, and that promote the sustainable and just rebuilding of neighborhoods, cities, and ecosystems throughout the Gulf Coast.
• Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation - the mission of LDRF is to transform the disaster caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita into an unprecedented opportunity for a new Louisiana - providing resources for the relief, recovery, and betterment of all its people by ensuring access and opportunity in rebuilding their communities and culture.
• ACORN is the nation's largest community organization of low and moderate-low income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Currently, they are advocating passing the Gulf Coast Recover Act, which will make policy and procedural changes to speed the return of Gulf Coast residents and federal funds to the region to support the rebuilding effort.
• Common Ground Relief: Provides short-term relief for victims of hurricane disasters in the Gulf Coast region, and long term support in rebuilding the communities affected in the New Orleans area. As a community-initiated volunteer organization, CGR offers assistance, mutual aid and support.